US 29 Bridge To Get $1 Million In Updates: Howard County Executive

COLUMBIA, MD — In the next year, $1 million in safety improvements are in store for the US 29 bridge in Columbia, which connects Town Center with the villages of Oakland Mills and Long Reach.

A chain-link fence around the bridge and poor lighting caused aesthetic and safety concerns, according to county officials.

“We know this bridge has long needed repairs," County Executive Allan Kittleman said in a statement.

The county commissioned a study of the bridge in 2014, which was completed in 2015, according to a statement from Howard County government.

When results of the study were presented to the community in 2016, citizens reportedly threw their support behind the spiraling geodesic tube as the best of four options presented.

By spring 2018, officials say a spiraling geodesic tube will be installed around the bridge, which will also get upgraded lighting and additional safety enhancements.

The bridge is described as a "vital link" that is "essential to reinventing our community,” Oakland Mills Village Board Co-Chair Ginny Thomas said in a statement.

“This is the signature landmark that Columbia has long deserved," Executive Director of the Downtown Columbia Arts and Culture Commission Ian Kennedy said. The bridge is more than 30 years old.

Developer the Howard Hughes Corporation is putting $500,000 toward bridge improvements and has previously contributed to the betterment of the structure as well.

"With this project we're going to be transforming the bridge into an icon for Columbia," said Greg Fitchett of the Howard Hughes Corporation.

Screenshot from Youube video.